Kelly orders us lunch and we sit around on chairs, eating sandwiches and fries.The members of the band are more relaxed today too, no longer on edge.
This band is new, and I learn that many members have come and gone over the years.Bayleigh has adapted to being able to play with anyone as only a truly experienced and confident performer can.She doesn’t have to rely on her musicians to support her.But having heard them all play together today, I know that having a team here, supporting and backing her, makes a huge difference.And that’s really what Bayleigh needs in her life.She puts on a strong façade, but behind it she’s still just a lonely teenage girl, wanting people to like her.
These musicians are cool, honest people.Perhaps they will stick around and help her after this gig.A part of me wants to stick around too.I want to be there, holding her hand and protecting her from the haters of the world.
But even if I could get past all the hurt and pain that she’s put me through, I can’t be sure she’d even want me.We’re on different paths and have different needs.A fish and a bird could never coexist.
I think of some of the rumors about her shows.The many performances where she’d shown up drunk or high and the band had had to do their best to cover for her.The last show she performed was the worst, though.Security had to pull her off stage before she hurt herself.The way she was slandered in the news and online after that was painful to read.Her reputation seemed all but shattered.
But it seems that her stint in rehab really has changed her now.What did they say about addicts?They have to hit rock bottom before they can truly find their way out.
By midafternoon we’ve rehearsed the full set, and Bayleigh calls it a day.The others slink off, by I’m still buzzing with excitement, not wanting this feeling to end.
“Does Kelly have a full evening planned for you?”I ask as I join her at the table where my guitar case sits open.
She looks up at me.“Fortunately, she gave me a night off.I stayed up late last night, so I’m looking forward to a quiet night.”
I take a swig from my water bottle.“What kept you up?”
She looks at me, her eyes narrowing as though she’s contemplating what to tell me.
“Actually, after I got back to my room, I started playing with some lyrics.”
“You did?”My eyes widen in disbelief.“But you said you didn’t write anymore.”
She gives me a shrug and a playful smile.“I felt inspired after our talk, and the words just kind of flowed out of me.”There is a glint in her eye that I recognize.She used to have it but this is the first time since she’s been back that I’ve seen it.It’s pure passion and inspiration.
“That’s great,” I say.“Can you show me?”
She bites her lip before speaking again.“Actually, would you mind helping me with the backing melody?”
“I’d love to.”The grin she gives me is priceless.We drag over two chairs to the wooden table, and I strum my guitar while she pulls out her cell phone and shows me the lyrics she’s written.I read them through a few times, taking in the mix of joy and sorrow, and I it sounds to me like she is drawing inspiration from Harper.This must be her way of coping.The words are filled with raw emotion, blending together in a beautiful form of poetry.
My fingers dance across the strings, warming up with a few chords before starting to improvise.The first three notes are quick and then some slow ones follow.The combination repeats as I begin to hum her lyrics.Bayleigh nods along to the beat, joining in on the singing.The first line sends shivers down my spine.
She closes her eyes as she lets the words flow out, releasing the emotions she’s been holding onto.I sing the next verse alongside her, our voices melding together in perfect harmony.As she sings with such passion and intensity, it sends tingles throughout my entire body.This is pure magic.Nothing but pure magic fills the air as we sing together for the first time in years.It takes every ounce of self-control not to pause and make love to her right here in this room.The way her body moves with the music ignites something inside of me like never before.And her voice?Absolute perfection.The other songs on her playlist may not be hers, but this song is different—it’s full of emotion and feelings straight from her soul.I can see for myself why she’s such a star.She has that special something, and I am honored to be a part of it.
I continue with the chorus, but when it’s time for her solo, I step back and let her shine.My heart beats faster as she belts out the lyrics, her eyes never leaving mine.I watch her intently as she sings the chorus, loving the combination of her voice and my guitar.When her voice deepens and she truly gets lost in the emotions of the words, it hits me—she was meant to do this.
I sing the final chorus with her.As our voices fade into silence, we both sit there, staring at each other.I can hear her breathing quicken and see the movement of her slender neck as she swallows.I am completely mesmerized by her.She is like the pied piper, and I am a foolish teenager again, following her around like a lovesick puppy.Does she even realize the hold she has over me?
Suddenly, she breaks eye contact and stands up.We are so close that her knee brushes against mine, and I instinctively raise my hand to rest on her thigh.I don’t want this moment to end.She parts her soft lips slightly, and it’s enough of an invitation for me.I can’t resist any longer.I stand and look down at her, taking in the shine of her golden hair.I reach out a hand to play with one curly strand that falls around her face.
Being this close, I can see the tiny freckles sprinkled across her nose, reminding me of when we used to count them together during lazy summer days on the ranch.
“Chase.”My name escapes her lips in a breathy whisper, and she leaves her mouth slightly open.She looks so inviting, and I can’t resist the urge to see if she still tastes like strawberries and sunshine.
When she doesn’t pull away, I run my fingers across the nape of her neck.Her pulse is thumping out of control.Mine feels the same way.I slowly lean in.“Is this okay with you?”
Her eyelids flutter closed, and she nods ever so slightly.
Our mouths brush against each other as I hold her in place.Her lips part slightly, inviting me in.I have to hold my breath and make myself not take more than she’s willing to give me right now.
I want this moment to last, to savor every touch and sensation.It takes all of my self-control to pull back and rest my forehead against hers.
“Bay?”I ask.Her name sounds like music on my lips.I’ve avoided using it for so long that now it feels like a treat when I say it out loud.She moans softly, her eyes still closed, and I can’t help myself any longer.Leaning in again, I kiss her, deeper the kiss, tangling my tongue with hers and pulling her closer to me.
When I finally break away, everything that I’m feeling is reflected back at me on her face.Using my thumb, I gently wipe her bottom lip, needing one last touch before moving away from her.
